Ahilyabai Holkar’s Leadership and Legacy Shine at Delhi Seminar
Experts highlight Ahilyabai’s role in women’s leadership, governance, and spiritual heritage
- National seminar begins at Swami Shraddhanand College, Delhi
- Focus on Ahilyabai’s spiritual, cultural, and administrative vision
- Scholars stress the need to reclaim India’s historical narratives
- Sessions feature 12 research papers on her enduring legacy
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th Nov: A two-day national seminar on “Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar’s Spiritual and Cultural Revival” began at Swami Shraddhanand College, Delhi, organised by the Deendayal Upadhyay Study Centre in association with the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), and Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana Samiti.
Inaugurating the event, Principal Prof. Praveen Garg said Ahilyabai Holkar symbolised the essence of Indian womanhood, adding, “Her life is a guiding light against colonial ideologies and a model of inclusive governance.”
Dr. Balamukund Pandey, in his keynote address, criticised colonial historiography for glorifying invaders while diminishing native icons. He said Indian philosophy laid the foundation for ethical governance and highlighted Ahilyabai’s unique contribution as a ruler who blended spirituality with administration.
Dr. Omji Upadhyay, delivering the lead lecture, called Ahilyabai’s life a testament to resilience against imperial ideologies. “She upheld spiritual and cultural values that defined India’s identity. Her life must be viewed as part of India’s intellectual resistance,” he said.
Guest speaker Dr. Pooja Vyas described Ahilyabai as a timeless inspiration for women’s empowerment, saying, “She remains a symbol of courage, leadership, and compassion.”
The inaugural session was followed by research presentations chaired by Prof. Vedpal Rana, with Dr. Ratnesh Tripathi and Dr. Umesh Kumar Dubey as subject experts. Twelve scholars presented papers on Ahilyabai’s contributions to governance, culture, and spirituality.
Principal Prof. Garg thanked the organisers and participants, while the day concluded with the national song.
